WASHINGTON - State Rep. Joe Carr raced out of the 4th Congressional District 2014 campaign gate Tuesday, announcing his exploratory committee has raised $205,000 in a potential bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais.

In a statement, the Rutherford County Republican thanked supporters and said he's inching toward officially entering the race.

"We're a step closer to making a final decision on whether to jump in, but I can tell you one thing," he said. "All indications point to that direction."

Carr said it only took six weeks to raise the money. He is the first to announce his fundraising haul for an election 19 months away.

Political insiders expect numerous challenges to DesJarlais after court records showed the anti-abortion congressman encouraged a former lover to get an abortion. Further documents showed DesJarlais supported his ex-wife's past abortions in the 1990s.

A DesJarlais spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on fundraising. Another GOP challenger, state Sen. Jim Tracy, R-Shelbyville, said he'd wait until disclosures come out April 15 to reveal his war chest talley.